Because storytelling is what engages us

Because storytelling is what engages us, not facts and figures*

That phrase resonates so well with me where in images I look for a story, not just a record of an event or place.
And that's why I am attracted to images that isolate the subject, take it away from the visual noise of the background and present it with a message, abstract if needed be.


refitted Russian projector lens 35KP-1,8/120 

It's where my mind then has room to explore the scene and create my own scenario or recall a similar situation or place close to my heart. And fundamentally that is why some images might evoke a reaction from some viewers and not from others; it's one's image bank that is tapped into to recall, subconsciously if you want, an emotion from the past.

That is why images with a story are so much more powerful


refitted Russian projector lens KP-16 50mm f1.2


* from this video at 2:44

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Publishing "verboten"

Different places around the world have different laws about photography.
In USA and Australia I am pretty much free to photograph what I want (within reason, of course) if my subject is in a public space; however, I can not freely walk into a private property and photograph to my heart content. I understand.

Recently I was in Europe, Austria specifically. I was made aware that photography in a public place is restricted. I have heard of copyright laws forbidding individuals photographing certain buildings (The Eiffel Tower apparently is one of them) but I didn't know I was not allowed to take pictures of people in the street. To be more exact: I am not allowed to publish those images, or print them for public display, without a written consent.
Of course I laugh at such pitiful laws that seem to have been written without much thought or consultation and currently totally unenforceable. To the millions of images taken by the public every day with mobile phones in the street I say: keep on snapping, exercise your right :-)


Salzburg, Austria.  Zuiko14-42mm EZ    f5.6

But to the concerned photographer (not me) that wants to stick to the right side of the law, what is there to do? Get a signed released from every person depicted in his/her images? yeah, right...
Then it occurred to me: how does the law apply to images published electronically?  the law does not say one can not take the photograph, it says about publication.
What if the publication is not in Austria? what if it is published for an international audience? what if the server to where those images are uploaded to sits outside Austria?

just saying...

Story telling through an image

I like the concept of story-telling through a static single image.

While beautiful landscape photographs do capture my attention and I often admire the location and the capturing techniques, rarely are those images remembered.

And then there are moments that are captured where the photograph goes beyond the initial visual appeal: an image that tells a story.

Alone

Cosmicar 50mm f1.4  1/320sec

These images however have limited appeal because each viewer perceives them on a different level, depending on his/her personal life experiences and cultural background.
Images that evoke a certain emotion are very subjective as individuals draw on their emotional precedents (and image memory-bank) to be stirred by the two dimensional representation of a feeling that might have experienced in the past.
To reinforce one's perception the title usually gives away the photographer's intention.

PS. If all you see above is a poorly executed photograph of an old park bench and a blurry passerby in the background, then this concept might be lost on you...

Social isolation

I saw this image of original artwork from a gallery: some found it funny but it actually made me sad.

On a recent Sunday, a beautiful sunny day, I walked around my city's urban park; it was crowded with families and (real, not virtual) friends, some were in groups.

But there was a disturbing trend: I rarely saw direct interaction...

adapted Cosmicar 50mm f1.4   1/160sec

Are we too driven by social media to actually be social?

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Pokemon hunting

With a condescending thought I laughed at these guys running around the city "hunting" for the imaginary Pokémon (mobile phone game).
Then I paused and reflected: and how am I different?
The basic principle it's the same, the medium different and results possibly more "tangible" (kind of). However I see similarities: we are both satisfying an ancient need to hunt.


adapted lens from Pentax-110 70mm f2.8  1/500sec

EDIT 19OCT16: ....and apparently now gone 
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French girls

There was a hearty feeling in the air at the French festival; a mild winter day with crisp skies seemed to make people happy.
I noticed that many girls there had a bit of a different look; less pompous, sultry or dismissive. I liked the atmosphere of the place.


Kodak Cine Ektanon 102mm f2.7  1/800sec



Kodak Cine Ektanon 102mm f2.7   1/1600sec




Cosmicar 50mm f1.4  1/4000sec

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Where is my master?

An opportunity to try my sudden acquisition of a really weird vintage lens.
This dog was a bit distressed waiting for his owner when  a friend (I assume) came to console him.


Kodak Cine Ektanon 102mm f2.7    1/250sec

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Alfresco dining

With a warm climate year-round and low precipitation Brisbane offers the perfect weather for eating out, under the stars.

I particularly enjoy the markets and urban parks South of the river where dining is a much more organic and low -profile experience than in the city itself. 

G.Lumix 14mm f4.5  1/6sec

I see a more down-to-earth crowd where the focus is to enjoy oneself, not parade or show off :-)

The people that frequent these places are very approachable and conversations flow easily.
The food can be viewed and the offerings are extremely varied, from all continents.

G.Lumix 14mm f2.5  1/25sec
And ultimately I see a much closer connection between people where they can mingle freely and not just stuck behind a crammed noisy restaurant table unable to talk due to the noise.


Pentax-110 50mm f2.8  1/6sec
After living in USA for almost a decade (MA, VA, UT and CA) I now really appreciate how these open spaces where one can socialize and enjoy a simpler life contribute to a more genuine quality life.

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Romantic evening walk

At an open space in the city, just before sunset.


adapted Pentax-110 70mm f2.8    1/160sec

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West End markets

On a Friday evening I can't think of a more relaxed social hang-out than the West End markets.
So much less pretentious and more relaxed alternative to the highly polished venues just a street away from here.


G-Lumix 14mm f2.5  1/2sec

Outdoors, with a mix of food stalls and a few trinkets the crowd is more down to earth. One can meet friends, grab a bight to eat, a (socially responsible) drink and relax.
The place is not loud enough to prevent holding a conversation, occasionally heated :-)


G-Lumix 14mm f2.5 1/5sec

Several street performers often play decent tunes with the Spanish guitarist being my favourite.


G.Lumix 14mm f2.5 1/50sec


PS: Sad news. At the end of April these markets will cease, to make room for redevelopment: residential towers...
PPS: Good news: they will relocate up the road :-)

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Attention seeker

I was not sure what was going on but he did succeed: he was grabbing attention.
We all want to impress each other, we are social animals.


Argus Cintagon 100mm f3.5  @f5.6  1/640sec


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My city looking vintage

It was only apt that I would edit these images in a bit of an old-school look since they were taken with lenses that are more than 50 years old.


Industar-50-2 50mm f3.5 1/2000sec


Kodak Ektar 25mm f1.9 cine lens  1/2500sec


Argus Cintagon (Steinheil Munchen) 100mm f3.5 @f5.6 1/250sec


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Spanish guitar

She plays with ease and passion, I find her music really relaxing.


Kodak Ektar 25mm f1.9 (16mm film cine lens)  f1.9  1/6sec 

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Caution

Gearing up for the ride; a few thrilling moments after university lectures all day. Freedom is two wheels.


Sigma 60mm f2.8 DN 1/160sec

Crossing the bridge

Crossing the bridge that connects the city to the open space.



M.Zuiko 40-150R  f5.6  1/250sec

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Beauties and the beast

We all want to impress each other, we are social animals.


G.Zuiko 14mm f2.5  @f5.6  1/13sec


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Shadow running

Late afternoon, along the river, it's his way to keep fit.


Argus Cintagon 35mm f4.5  @f8   1/200sec

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Curves

On their way to a workout outdoors, after a day of work at the desk.


Kodak cine lens Ektar 25mm f1.9   1/250sec

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